Ewon Commends PETRONAS Foundation’s CSR Initiative to Support Rural Communities

24 May 2026

KOTA BELUD: Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, Datuk Ewon Benedick, has expressed his appreciation for Yayasan PETRONAS’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in assisting rural communities, including those in Kadamaian.

The Kadamaian State Assemblyman said the PETRONAS Memacu Kehidupan Kaamatan Programme carries significant meaning in fostering togetherness among the people while adding value to the Kaamatan festivities.

“Through this programme, Yayasan PETRONAS distributed food aid baskets to 500 families, including 200 recipients from the Kota Belud district."

“In addition, the foundation has implemented several CSR initiatives in Kota Belud, including gravity-fed water supply systems and educational assistance for schools."

“I truly appreciate Yayasan PETRONAS’ efforts and hope such programmes will continue in the future,” he said when met by reporters after officiating the PETRONAS 'Memacu Kehidupan Kaamatan 2026' programme here today.

Ewon noted that the initiative is particularly meaningful as Kaamatan is not only celebrated as a cultural festival, but also serves as a platform to share joy with the community, especially families in need.

“This reflects the true spirit of Kaamatan, where everyone has the opportunity to celebrate together."

“I would also like to thank PETRONAS for implementing various CSR programmes in Sabah, particularly in Kota Belud,” he said.

He added that such initiatives reflect PETRONAS’ ongoing commitment to supporting community well-being, especially among those in need.

“I hope these contributions from Yayasan PETRONAS will help brighten this year’s Kaamatan celebrations,” he said.

Meanwhile, PETRONAS Sabah and Labuan Regional Office General Manager, Datuk Hajah Siti Ayu Haniza Abdul Wahab, said the 'Memacu Kehidupan" initiative is carried out during festive seasons to spread joy among recipient families, in line with the MADANI Wellbeing agenda to strengthen community welfare.

She said that in conjunction with this year’s Kaamatan, Yayasan PETRONAS contributed basic food baskets to 500 families across Sabah, including 200 in Kota Belud.

“I hope these contributions will help enliven the Kaamatan celebrations,” she said.

She added that PETRONAS’ social impact initiatives are well established in Kota Belud.

“Last year, Yayasan PETRONAS, in collaboration with Taylor’s University and Hopes Malaysia, implemented a gravity-fed water supply and rainwater harvesting system in Kampung Tinata Ulu, benefiting about 200 residents,” she said.

She added that in the same year, the foundation also provided cashless assistance worth RM500 per family through collaboration with myKasih for the purchase of essential goods for fire victims in Kampung Sangkir.

Additionally, in 2024, PETRONAS contributed 100 scientific calculators to students of SMK Taun Gusi preparing for the SPM examination, as well as organised career-sharing sessions and a Mathematics Camp to support students’ preparation.

“In 2024, PETRONAS also provided cooking gas cylinders to 58 heads of households and school supplies to 76 students affected by a fire in Kampung Kuala Abai."

“All these initiatives reflect PETRONAS’ continued efforts in supporting community development and strengthening key sectors, particularly education, for shared well-being and progress,” she said.